Vision for the future: Education institutions must prepare graduates to drive advancements in research, innovation and technology. — 123rf.com
Malaysia’s healthcare landscape has evolved rapidly in recent decades, with the Covid-19 pandemic serving as a critical turning point.
The crisis exposed not only existing vulnerabilities but also opportunities for improvement, emphasising the need to future-proof the nation’s healthcare system.
Central to these discussions is the Health White Paper (2023) by the Health Ministry, which highlights the urgent need to strengthen the healthcare workforce to meet the demands of a growing and ageing population.
Among the most pressing issues is the critical shortage of specialists, particularly in rural areas, which hampers healthcare access and quality.
Additionally, the paper emphasises the importance of greater investment in research and innovation, which are essential for a resilient healthcare system.
Without swift action to enhance education, training and research in health sciences, Malaysia risks falling behind global healthcare standards.
These concerns are echoed by healthcare leaders serving in advisory roles within government ministries, who have called for a strategic focus on strengthening these areas.
The nation’s healthcare future depends not only on immediate improvements but also on fostering a long-term vision centred on research, innovation and skilled professionals capable of addressing both national and global health challenges.
A cornerstone of this vision is the expansion of applied health sciences education, a discipline uniquely positioned to integrate theoretical and practical application in healthcare.
By focusing on applied health sciences, higher education institutions can prepare students with hands-on experience and critical thinking skills to address real-world healthcare challenges.
This approach enables graduates to be prepared to drive advancements in research, innovation and technology.
The applied health sciences programmes offer immersive learning opportunities, including advanced laboratory work, simulated healthcare settings, and authentic research projects.
These experiences ensure students develop a comprehensive skill set, bridging the gap between theory and practice.
As a result, graduates emerge not only with theoretical knowledge but also with the expertise needed to make immediate, meaningful contributions to our healthcare system.
This discipline is essential for addressing current and future health demands, including disease prevention, personalised medicine and advanced diagnostics. It also aligns with Malaysia’s key healthcare priorities, such as neuroscience, embryology, nutrition and genetics.
Each of these specialisations plays a critical role in the nation’s public health landscape. For instance, the growing demand for mental health services underscores the importance of neuroscience in addressing neurological and psychological disorders.
Similarly, advancements in genetics can aid in the management of non-communicable diseases, which remain a leading cause of mortality both in Malaysia and globally.
By expanding applied health sciences education, we can develop a workforce equipped with specialised expertise to tackle these challenges, ultimately improving both healthcare outcomes and accessibility.
Moreover, a well-trained workforce positions Malaysia’s as an attractive destination for international healthcare investors, bolstering its reputation as a hub for healthcare innovation within the Asean region.
By establishing leadership in applied health sciences, Malaysia can generate new jobs, elevate healthcare quality, and contribute significantly to global medical research.
By prioritising applied health sciences education, Malaysia has the opportunity to build a healthcare system that is resilient, innovative and globally competitive.
Bold action is needed to ensure that the next generation of healthcare professionals is prepared and empowered to lead.
Through a shared commitment to education and innovation, we can secure a healthier and more competitive future for generations to come.
Dr Lee Sau Har is the Bachelor of Applied Health Sciences (Honours) programme director and a senior lecturer at the School of Biosciences, Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences at Taylor’s University.
The views expressed here are the writer’s own.
